Charles Wesley wrote the song, “Amazing Love, How Can it be that Thou My God should die for me.” In it he expresses the truth that in dying Jesus Christ became our substitute. He paid the debt our sins had caused. We were enslaved–Jesus redeemed us from bondage. We were condemned criminals–Jesus bore our penalty to set us free. We were excluded from God’s presence–Jesus opened a new way to God’s throne of mercy. We were captives confined in the fortress of Satan–Jesus broke in to deliver us. We read in John Chapter 11 that after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, some bystanders rushed off to tell the religious leaders what Jesus had done. They quickly called a meeting, fearful the Romans would come take away their power and position because of Jesus’ popularity. The high priest urged leaders to get rid of Jesus saying it was better for one to die than let the Romans come and take away their power. John wrote that without knowing it the high priest had predicted Jesus’ death would be for the sins of the whole world. Yes Jesus was our substitute and all who repent of their sins and accept Him as their substitute receive forgiveness and eternal life.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
